Today image prompt is spring. It is a little tricky to find, but see if you can. I skipped over the story a bit. Melody has been cleaning Roy's room in preparation for Levi to use it.

Excerpt
Grabbing hold of the aluminum frame of the commode chair she tugged trying to break it clear of space she had involuntarily wedged it in. “You have to fit you stupid chair. How did you get in here in the first place?” 

The agency delivered the equipment. At the time, she made a point of taking Roy out for a walk. It had been her experience that people grew melancholy seeing the reminders of their slipping health.

Still, it was a heavy chair, she gave it a heavy tug. “Damn chair.”

Levi said close to her ear. “Maybe I could help?”

His voice so close surprised her.  Her grip on the chair loosened  sending her backwards into his body. They both fell to the floor with a solid thump. Melody pretended not to hear his muttered curse. Seriously, could it get any worse? For a second, she rested against his masculine body, enjoying the solid feel, even the scent of sun warmed male. Remembering her location, she scrambled to her hand and knees, and sprang up to her feet.

Levi lay sprawled on the floor with a menacing frown.  Charmer took the opportunity to lick his face since the man he idolized was at his level. “Could you get the dog away from me?”

She clapped her hands together with no effect. Well, that worked for some dogs, but apparently not this one. “Charmer, no, no.”

The dog stopped enough to look at her questioningly, before returning to bestowing sloppy canine kisses.

Levi pushed up to his elbows removing his face from Charmer’s administrations. “I see you have the dog on a real tight leash.”

His remark stung a little bit, even if it was true. Just when she was trying to like Levi a bit and think better of him, he had to go make some crack like that.  

Today's prompt is nudge. We left off with Levi comparing men who prefer to date petite women as being unsure of their masculinity.

“Good analogy. “ Oliver agreed, gesturing to the paper with his pen. “Let’s finish this so I can get home to my loving spouse. You,” he nudged Levi’s shoulder before continuing, “can get your car and gear to move in.”

Move in. At least, she was sitting down. A man who needed a small dainty woman was a man not sure of his own masculinity. Yes, that sounded like her date. No doubt, the man would marry a diminutive woman who would run him ragged. The thought made her smile.

“I am certainly glad to see you’re no longer opposed to Levi moving in.” The words startled her. She wasn’t opposed to Levi moving in?  Her smile had been taken for acceptance. Oh well, it could be worse. If she got out more, she might meet someone who was secure in his masculinity. Her first challenge would be to figure out how to do that.

The chairs scratching across the linoleum brought her out of her reverie.  Standing, Oliver pushed the papers across to her. “If you’re good with the guidelines, sign here.”

Taking the proffered pin, she signed the paper. She handed the pen to Levi wondering if he’d balk, but he didn’t. He signed right under her signature.

“Okay, children. I’ll have Amalee type this up when she comes in Monday. For now, this is the temporary agreement.  I can make a copy for you at the office and Levi can bring it with him when he returns.” Oliver capped his pen, securing it in his shirt pocket. He gathered up the papers and put them back into his case.

The three of them walked to the door together. She watched them head to the sedan. Oliver had his hands in his pockets, whistling while he walked. Levi kept his back ramrod straight and tried to use his cane as little as possible to prove he didn’t need it.  When they both turned to open the car doors, she waved as if bidding old friends goodbye.

“I’ll be back around six.” Levi’s voice carried easily.  The man was probably used to yelling over gunfire.

Not knowing how to reply to that, she waved and tried to stretch her lips into a smile. He’d be back at six. Only a few more hours before her life changed again. The only thing certain about her life was nothing ever remained the same.

Today's prompt is end. See if you can find it  and figure out what all the Barbie Dolls  are about?


What did he say? Did she hear him right? Her fingers gently touched her face as she suspected her mouth was open. His words made no sense. They certainly didn’t jive with her last date’s comments.

“This gets more interesting by the minute.” Oliver commented, while watching the two of them avidly.

“I’m not sure what to say. The last date I went on the man commented I was too large to be attractive. I assumed other men thought likewise.” Melody gripped the counter behind her back in case another verbal volley hit her, knocking her off her set of accepted beliefs.

Levi’s grey eyes warmed as he smiled. “Melody, you probably don’t get out much.”

“No lie there” she readily agreed because it was familiar ground. Her knees felt a little less shaky than before. How could she ease into her chair, making it look natural? Standing against the counter made her feel as if she were on display. The voices of the children coming back from the lake sent Charmer into a series of half-hearted barks. It was enough of a distraction for her to sit down and fold her hands in her lap.

“This date of yours, was he a little on the small side?”

The question had her trying to remember. He hadn’t been overly tall. A little on the scrawny side, not wide across the shoulders and chest like Levi was. “I think so. He never noticed my new outfit, my hair or how hard I worked on my makeup, just that I was too big.”

Oliver put his age spotted hand over hers. “It hurts me to hear you talk like this. You remind me so much of my wife when she was young. Let me tell you, she’s the prettiest thing I ever set eyes on. She still is.”

The sweet man made her eyes glisten.  She didn’t necessarily believe his words, but still it was nice to see a man still deeply in love with his wife after all these years.

“I know the type.” Levi nodded his head, as if hearing a conversation only he was privy to.

Charmer nudged her leg. Her fingers scratched his head, not quite familiar with what he might want, not knowing the dog well enough to know his non-verbal cues. Instead, she asked, “What type is that?”

 Crossing his arms, Levi looked in her direction, then back at Oliver. “Men who are unsure of their masculinity like small dainty women. In the end, they don’t really know how to be a man. As far as masculinity, all they have is superior size and different plumbing. A doll-like woman makes them feel like a man, but it doesn’t make him one. More like a boy playing with his sister’s Barbies.”

Last time, we left off with the lawyer writing guidelines how the two of them could share the house. He was up to the part about how they would handle dates. Today's prompt is pale. See if you can find it.

“No worries about me. I won’t be entertaining friends or dates.”  It sounded pitiful even to her ears.  After her last failed date, the idea of dating didn’t appeal. Everyone she met in the hospice field already had friends to occupy them. Currently Mary and Charmer were the extent of her social life.

“Same here,” Levi added. “If I should run into some old friends, then we could meet in a restaurant, or someplace else.”

Oliver looked at his cup, then up at Melody with a smile. Taking a hint, she stood to get the coffee pot.

“Nevertheless, we should have guidelines. No other person will be permitted to move into the house during the year.” He wrote swiftly and murmured his thanks as she filled his cup.

“This doesn’t mean you can’t have guests, but you need to contain them to the private areas as not to discomfit the other inhabitant. You cannot allow a person to stay two nights in a row, which would imply a form of co-inhabitation.”

Still not a problem on her part, the few men friends she’d had didn’t stay the entire night. Truthfully, it wasn’t love and could barely be called a relationship. “Not happening.”

Levi’s fingers were on a cookie, but stilled with her words. “Are you telling me what I can do? Maybe I might meet a woman who might take pity on me?”

“Seriously, you’re starting that crap again? With that attitude, you’ll meet up with someone who will treat you like a charity case. Plenty women would value you without two strong legs. I was talking about myself Mr. I-Jump-to-Conclusions. There won’t be any overnight dates in my case.”  Her skin paled at her impulsive words. It would be wonderful if they moved on to something else, like paying the utilities.

Chewing on a cookie, he appeared to consider her words. “You’re not one of those prudes who doesn’t believe in sex before marriage and all that?”

Her esophagus squeezed shut with his casual comment, which made it hard to breathe for a few seconds. She closed her eyes and mentally counted. A trick she had taught herself to ease her nerves. Counting always worked for her. Counting her steps or the ceiling tiles in the gynecologist’s office, just as long as she had something to count.  Her pinkie grazed the burner pad as he replaced the carafe. “Ouch.”   The man not only had her stumbling around the place, but burning herself with all his raw masculinity.

“Ouch, what kind of answer is that?” Levi leaned back in his chair and locked his hands behind his head.  The man looked as if he were enjoying her embarrassment. 

Exhaling deeply, she decided to put things on the table. There was no reason to have this silly cat and mouse game going on. “Ouch is what you say when you burn yourself.”

“It’s not what I’d say.” The man smirked at her.

“Yes, I know. Let’s make it plain. You don’t have to worry about me dragging home men to keep in my bedroom. I’m well aware that I’m not attractive to men.”

The clatter of the chair legs hitting the floor confirmed her suspicion he’d been leaning back on two legs. ‘What the hell are you talking about? Most men would give their eyeteeth for a woman like you. You’re tall, curvy, and have the most gorgeous hair. It’s obvious you give back as much as you get. What’s not to like?”

Last week, we left off with Levi and Melody deciding how to share the house with the kindly attorney, Oliver Douglas, drawing up guidelines. This week's picture prompt is a library.
 
Excerpt

“Yes.” What else could she say? She felt a bit like Goldilocks. The twin bed would probably be too small for him now. She could give it up if it bothered him that much.  A twinge of guilt hit her as she recalled that she took down all the posters. Angry that the prodigal nephew never visited his dying uncle, she tossed the posters. Call it her one act of aggression. “Do you want it back?”

His shoulders went up in a shrug. “No big deal. You keep it.”

Oliver’s pen scratched across the paper. “That’s settled. We need guidelines for the use of public rooms such as the living room, kitchen and bathroom.”

The urge to say she’d not use the rooms died in her mouth when she realized the sheer stupidity of it. Not use the bathroom, hardly since there was only one bathroom. She’d needed the kitchen too.  Even if she were only passing through, she’d still go through the living room. It wasn’t like she’d hangout at the library to avoid encountering Levi.

 “Um, how will you feel about Charmer in the house when I am at work?” He appeared to like the dog even after he urinated on him. Jumping up she almost knocked her chair down in an effort to grab the paper towels. “For your jeans,” she mumbled, pushing the towels in his direction.

He took the towels with a smile that actually reached his eyes. “Thanks. As for Charmer, I’d welcome the company. It might give us both a chance to work on our manners.”

Old stone face actually made a joke. Was her mouth hanging open? She hoped not. “Yeah.”  Wait, that didn’t sound right. “I meant Charmer could work on his manners.”

Levi gave a short laugh. “I know what you meant.”                                                                          

Oliver looked back down at the papers, probably to hide a budding smile.  “Okay, you two. We need to plan on how you’ll handle entertaining friends and dates.”

“Aw shit!” The man swore and slapped his hand on the table. “What else can go wrong?”

Her excitement died a little. Perhaps, he wouldn’t be great roommate, but she’d had worse. Time would tell.

Instead of soothing words, or quoting legal jargon, Oliver picked up his cup and sipped it slowly. Finally, he replaced it in his saucer.  Clearing his throat, he gained both their attention. ‘I expect the two of you feel like Roy McDaniels did you wrong, but he didn’t. He was a man who had a great deal of hardship and loss in his life. I am proud to have been his friend. I imagine the two of you are feeling sorry for yourselves so stop it right now. You’re alive and have a future, which is a hell of a lot more than Roy has. He loved you both dearly. What he wanted was to give you both a home. He felt you both desperately needed one, but he only had one to give. Initially, I tried to discourage him from making the two of you co-heirs, but he wouldn’t listen to me.” He shook his head as if remembering.

“He wanted the two of you to meet. Even thought, the two of you would be friends. I explained anyone would hesitate at sharing a home. Roy finally agreed to the clause that after a year if things didn’t work out one could buy the other out. That was my doing. The rest was all Roy. The way I see it you both need a home. Plenty of people share lodgings and it isn’t costing you anything. A couple of months ago neither of you had a house. Now you both have lakefront property. After a year, the house will sell for a pretty penny with the proceedings split.  Is that such a hardship, really?”

Levi hung his head. It was hard to say if he was ashamed or despondent. Part of her was thrilled to be able to remain in the house. Still, it would be difficult living with a sullen sexy man.  She would definitely have to wear more clothes around the house.  Did Roy actually think to match the two of them? If he did, she could have explained why it wouldn’t work.

“Okay,” she volunteered her agreement since it didn’t look like Levi was talking. “I am sure we can work out some ground rules so the two of us can co-inhabit the house.”

Oliver grinned. “That’s why I am here. I thought it would be easier to do that with an impartial third party.”

It was hard to know how impartial the lawyer was. She knew for sure that he was presenting Roy’s interest as opposed to what she or Levi wanted.

Levi sighed, then, raised his head. “You knocked me down more than a few pegs. I suspect Uncle Roy gave you lessons.”

Oliver snorted at the assertion. “Who do you think taught him?” He gestured for Levi to continue talking.

He blinked once, slowly turning his head to face Melody. “I was too reactive. Always one of my worse faults. If Roy trusted you, then he had reason. With two bedrooms, I am sure we can work out a livable arrangement.” He gave a nod and tried to smile. Too bad his eyes didn’t know what was happening. They remained the same cold distant grey.

It was a start. Oliver reshuffled the papers, pulling out a clean sheet already printed with roommate agreement and numbers with blank sections in them.  Clicking his pen, he put it beside the numeral one. “Let’s get to the meat of the matter.  Melody, what room are you using?”

It felt rather awkward to talk about bedrooms and sleeping, but there was no help for it. After all, it was the only practical way to deal with things. “I am staying in the same room that I used as Roy’s nurse. It was easier that way, which means the bigger bedroom is open for Levi.”

Truthfully, she could not bring herself to move into Roy’s room.  The small second bedroom suited her, especially since she’d made changes in that room.

Her sullen roommate, instead of being surprised at her generosity in yielding the larger room to him, instead just stared at her.  “You’re sleeping in my room? In my bed?”

Today's prompt is heart, very fitting for Valentine's Day. See if you can find it.







EXCERPT 
She took out a small plate and put the chocolate chip cookies out she'd bought as a small indulgence for herself. Like the lawyer, she could stand to lose a few pounds too. Might as well share the calories and it would help Levi feel small when she signed over the house. 

The scene took shape in her mind as the wounded veteran realized what a truly unselfish person she was. Of course, he’d apologize for his uncharitable thoughts toward her. Maybe even, shed a tear or two.  A glance at his stony face made her consider the shedding of grateful tears as going a bit too far. Her heart objected strongly to her current course of action. By now, it should be used to never really having a home.

She carried the tray to the table as the coffee made its final gurgle. Taking the cups, she placed one in front of each man and another for herself.  Levi spoke in a sense of wonder as she retrieved the pot.

“Good Lord, I never expected to see these dishes again. Don’t know how many times I sat at this table with Uncle Roy drinking coffee out of these cups. Sometimes, he’d apologize for serving a kid coffee. Even as a confirmed bachelor, the man never took much to cooking. We’d usually have coffee and cold cereal every morning. Sometimes, on the weekend, he’d compliment the morning meal with a side of donut holes.”

There was real affection in his voice. Melody kept her back turned to fight the tears forming in her eyes. He’d really loved his uncle. It didn’t explain why he hadn’t come around when Roy fell sick, but it made him a little less of a jerk that she originally thought he was.

Knuckling both eyes dry, she inhaled deeply. It wouldn’t help if she started bawling. The sound of children’s voices drew her gaze to the window. A parade of children ran across the lawn heading for the lake. She’d miss that. At first, she thought it was how normal people lived. Now, she wondered if it was how extraordinary people live, surrounded by love and nature.

Coffee pot in hand, she filled each cup as she steeled herself to do what she must. Setting the pot back on the warmer, she slid into her seat. The men were sampling their coffee as she cleared her throat.

“Well, ah, I’d like to just get it over with. I am willing to sign the house over to Levi seeing as he’s the last relative and, uhm, he needs it.  I only hope you might consider taking Charmer since most apartments do not allow dogs.”

Okay, she’d done it. Made her noble little speech, but she wasn't feeling very noble. Angry, resentful, sad, rather like the first time she’d been put out of a foster home after her beautiful mother flitted in to see her and was gone just as fast.

Levi put his coffee cup down suddenly, sloshing the contents over the side.  He wiped his damp hand on his pants. “I am amenable to your suggestion, but don’t go being a martyr about it. I can arrange to buy out your share.”

Her back went stiff at the word martyr. His lips remained in a firm line, not exactly the reception she expected. A little more joy would be nice. Didn’t he realize she was giving him everything that meant anything to her?

“Not so fast.”  Oliver Douglas made sure to knock on the table to get their attention before continuing. He tapped the paper in front of him. “It appears neither one of you listen very well. According to the will, there will be no buying or selling until you both reside in the house together for one full year. I already told you,” he made sure to glance at Levi, “that the will cannot be broken.”

Today's prompt is field. A beautiful picture to illustrate it too. See if you can discover field.











EXCERPT

The men’s footsteps thudded on the hardwood floor along with the tap of the cane.  “Melody, do you want us to meet in the kitchen?” She recognized the lawyer’s voice and glanced at the kitchen table. There were some breakfast dishes along with a discarded newspaper. The dishes ended up in the sink and she tucked the paper under the counter. Running a dishrag over the table, she replied. “Sure, kitchen is good. I’ll make some coffee.”

Oliver Douglas entered with a smile and pulled out a chair. “Coffee would be appreciated. My wife calls it the devil’s brew since she started a caffeine free health kick. I try not to drink it in front of her. Removing temptation and all of that.”

Melody turned back to the counter to rinse out the coffee pot before she started a fresh batch. It also allowed her not to watch Levi prepare himself to sit. It would wound any man’s pride, having to struggle with a leg that wouldn’t cooperate, but in a man so young it must be worse. The tightness of his shoulders and his general demeanor let her know his injury was a permanent one. His face was more like a fallow field were hope would never grow even it was planted.

The aroma caused her to breathe deeply. The smell of coffee was so evocative. It reminded her of wrapping her cold hands around a warm cup countless mornings. For a second, it made her forget the wounded warrior at her table. She didn’t see any real choice. To fight him for the house would be well unpatriotic. Besides, he already had a lawyer. Was it Mr. Douglas?

The silver haired lawyer hummed under his breath as he arranged papers on the table. At least someone was happy. He could be contemplating the coffee or getting the business done with and returning back home. At least he had a home. Stop that. It isn’t anything you haven’t been through before.

It would be hard to imagine the gentlemanly lawyer penning such a stern missive. Besides, she didn’t recognize the name on the letter, only the attorney at law underneath.  Grabbing a dented tray that proclaimed the wonders of the Grand Canyon, she arranged cups and spoons on it. Never thought she’d use for this when she picked it up at the thrift shop.

“Uhm, I don’t have any sugar, but I do have artificial sweetener.” She put a couple packets of the substitute on the tray.

The lawyer stopped rustling the papers and smiled up at her. “Perfect. I need to lose a few pounds anyhow.”

Her eyes moved over to Levi. 

“I like mine black.” The words came out abrupt, rather like the man.

Just as well, she thought, since she didn’t own any creamer. She bobbed her head in acknowledgment, but it didn’t matter because he wasn’t looking at her. Well, be that way. I’ll show you who the better man is. Make that woman.

Today's prompt is mirror. See if you can find it. We left off at an uncomfortable front yard meeting and Melody informed Levi that his manners sucked.

Today's excerpt

Levi’s eyebrows shot up and his mouth twisted as if he’d make another negative comment, then he stopped and laughed. Oliver joined in the laughter, which relieved Melody. Maybe she’d been wrong to say it, but it didn’t seem like anyone was taking it too bad.

Charmer kept pulling at the leash, anxious to get away. Wrapping the lead around her hand twice, she tugged him in the direction of the house. “I guess y’all might as well come in. I wasn’t expecting company, but no reason to hash out our personal business in public.”

Her shoulders dropped with the knowledge of what she about to do. There always seemed to be plenty of jobs for hospice nurses. Dreading going back to the apartment life, it would be harder this time since she had a taste on what it was like to live in her own house. Charmer’s unexpected balk caused her to stumble forward, catching her on the frame of the screen door.

There was a good chance she’d not be able to get the dog into an apartment either. The canine in question stood staring in Levi’s direction. Great, it looked like everything went to the man. Grabbing the door handle she swung it open. Roy’s plastic shrouded furniture still crowded the room, but there was part of her here too.

The small vase of brightly colored daisies on the end table, the black and white shot she’d taken of the lake resting on the far wall in a cheap frame she’d purchased at the dollar store. Her slippers were half-tucked under the couch. The book she started rested open faced on the couch where she abandoned it to take Charmer out.  They were tiny things that most people might not even notice.  Steps she hesitated making, knowing this day might come, and it had.

Might as well get it over with, she thought as she tugged the reluctant dog behind her into the kitchen. At least, she could be civil about the whole thing. There was no reason to be ugly about it. If foster care taught her one anything it was you never allowed your genuine feelings to show. The leash slipped from her fingers as multiple scenarios played through her mind featuring uncomfortable social workers who escorted her to the car. If felt like this moment mirrored her past.

Today's prompt is hill. See if you can find it.

The cane gave her a momentary pause. Was she wrong to want to keep the house? Who was she to keep the dwelling that belonged to the only surviving relative? Not only was Levi the heir, but a wounded veteran on top of it.  Of course, he deserved the house. She’d no choice, but to give it up.

A sense of loss settled on her like wet, heavy blanket. Disappointed, she grabbed for Charmer’s leash before he’d show another reason he ended up at the shelter. From her slightly bent position, she observed Levi using the car and his cane to push himself upright. The struggle wasn’t only between an unwilling leg and gravity, but his pride entered into it. His grey eyes grew glacial when he noticed her watching him.

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m a cripple all right. Not so attractive anymore, am I?”

Blood colored her face an unbecoming red. Well, apparently, he noticed her flare of attraction that somehow made everything worse. Soon, she wouldn’t have the snug little house on the hill. It didn’t matter if she found him attractive or not.  He may have found the idea laughable. Obviously, she didn’t fit the current idea of beauty. A couple hundred years ago, she’d have had it made when a man needed a strong woman who could work beside him and give him sons. Face it; she was born in the wrong century that made her anachronism, one stuck in the middle of the current crop of anorexia females who piled on the makeup and attitude with both hands.

Her impromptu pity party almost caused her to miss his words. The glowering man leaning against the car didn’t think any woman would find him handsome because of his leg. The thought was unbelievable.  Her eyes roamed over him again affirming her initial observation. Oh my, he was very nice bum leg and all. His attitude and the fact he was taking away the only thing she’d ever had was the part that sucked.

Noticing her stare, he leaned back against the car as he adjusted his stance. “Did you get a good look? What did you see?”

 The words came out on their own without her reflecting on them. “I see a handsome, rugged man. Maybe he has a bum leg, maybe he has an artificial one, but it doesn’t stop him from being attractive. The only unattractive feature is his horrible manners.”